Our Mission

 

Odyssey Admission is committed to offering world-class service and impactful insight into the world of university admissions. We relish the opportunity for self-reflection and self-discovery through a potentially transformative application process. We reject the outdated notion that it must be a laundry list of menial tasks, arduous form-filling, pointless essays, and stressful decision-making. High school should be a time to try new things, make new friends, work hard in challenging classes, and discover what you are capable of. Getting into your dream university doesn’t have to come at the expense of living a full, fun life. Working together allows us all to gain perspective in our everyday lives and see our actions in a grand light. Striving to be the best we can be is something we expect in ourselves and encourage in those around us.

Affiliations

 

A strong professional network plays an important role in college admissions. It’s important to know who to turn to with the difficult questions. Being part of nationally recognized organizations also adds accountability to ensure professional and ethical practices. Because Odyssey Admissions is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), we are committed to following the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission. 

High School Experience + University Training

Jemison began his college counseling career in 2006. Over the next 17 years, he worked with thousands of students at international schools in New Zealand, Thailand, China, and finally Vietnam where he was Director of Counseling at the top international school in Saigon. Beyond his extensive experience helping students prepare their applications, he also has experience on the receiving and evaluating end. During the 2021 and 2022 reading cycles, Jemison read undergraduate admissions files for UCLA in addition to being formally trained to read for Middlebury College and Pepperdine University. Through his professional memberships with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admissions Counseling (RMACAC), and the International Association for College Admissions Counseling (International ACAC), he has had the opportunity to attend over fifteen conferences and present at eight of them. His work overseas also included conferences with the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) Global Forum on International Admissions & Guidance. In 2011, he was chosen to be the keynote speaker at the FutureWise conference on admissions counseling at Oxford University.

Meet Jemison

 

Originally from Ohio, Jemison is a graduate of Western Reserve Academy and was chosen by the prestigious English Speaking Union program to attend the Harrow School in London during his gap year. Afterward, he earned his bachelor’s in English literature at Colby College where he also played for their nationally ranked lacrosse program. Just before going abroad, he earned a master’s degree from the College of William and Mary. After fifteen amazing years overseas, Jemison returned to the US when the pandemic forced many in the international community to relocate. He found a wonderful home at the foot of the Rockies in Fort Collins, Colorado where he is currently based. In addition to his work with Odyssey Admissions, Jemison also teaches part-time with the Poudre School District and offers courses on college admissions to the local community.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jemison is an avid athlete, sailor, and single father. He was a member of the New Zealand national lacrosse team, completed Ironman New Zealand, and has traveled to 40+ countries. From 2016-2018, he took a break from his career to sail a 40-ft sailboat from New Caledonia to Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia, most of which was done solo. Today he can be found cycling, hiking, summiting 14ers, and chasing squirrels with his amazing four-year-old daughter.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO WE NEED A PRIVATE COLLEGE COUNSELOR?

Probably not! Most high schools have skilled counselors who are there to support you. If you have been periodically meeting with your counselor throughout high school and feel like they have been available to answer questions and support you when needed, then stick with that program! If you feel you would benefit from a personalized program and guide every step of the way, then maybe you should consider hiring a private college counselor. 

Here are some of the benefits of having someone with low student numbers completely focused on YOUR journey to university:

  • A timeline tailored to your schedule and aspirations
  • Access to a reliable source of information whenever questions come up
  • An experienced admissions reader looking through your application and essay
WHY CHOOSE ODYSSEY ADMISSIONS?

EXPERIENCE – NETWORK – PERSONALIZATION – SUCCESS

Experience: After 15 years of working in some of the world’s best high schools, I have been through the application process thousands of times and found success at the most competitive universities. 

Network: I attend conferences, host university representatives, and visit campuses. When you need an advocate to speak up for you, you want someone who knows the people in the admissions office.

Personalization: I intentionally keep my student numbers low so that I have the bandwidth to provide consistent support and to go beyond the “normal” expectations. Unfortunately, most high school counselors don’t have this luxury. 

Success: I believe in finding the right fit for YOU….no matter what that is. I’ve helped students get accepted at the world’s most competitive schools (Yale, Oxford, KAIST, and NUS to name a few), but I’ve also helped students with gap year ideas, community college applications, and portfolios for art school. Whatever you are looking for, I can help you with the best path forward for YOU.

DO YOU OFFER A GUARANTEE?

No. And you should be very wary of anyone who does. There are no guarantees in the university admissions world. I’ve seen students with perfect academic records get rejected from their top choices. There are so many factors considered in the admissions process that you absolutely must take a strategic approach to what you are presenting to the admissions committee. Being smart is not enough. I can’t guarantee you will get into your first choice university, but I can guarantee that we will maximize your potential and present the admissions team with the best version of you!